Things To Do Around Quality Inn Window Rock

Window Rock Tribal Park and Veterans Memorial

Explore Navajo Interactive The small park near the Navajo Nation Administration Center features the graceful redstone arch for which the capital is named. The Navajo Nation headquarters and other government offices were built in close proximity to this mystical rock formation. More recently, the Navajos have built a Veteran's Memorial at the base of Window Rock to honor the many Navajos who served in the U.S. military. Many Navajo soldiers are recognized in the annals of history for their role as Code Talkers, whereby they used the native language to create a code that was never broken by the enemy. Historians credit the Navajo Code Talkers for helping to win World War II. The park has many symbolic structures: a circular path outlining the four cardinal directions, 16 angled steel pillars with the names of war veterans, and a healing sanctuary that is used for reflection and solitude that features a fountain made of sandstone. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info, call 928-871-6413 or write to P.O. Box 430, Window Rock, AZ 86515.

Navajo Nation Council Chambers

See the Navajo Nation government in action as the 88 Council delegates (representing 110 Navajo Nation chapters, or communities) discuss critical issues and enact legislation to determine the future of the Navajo people. Reorganized in 1991 to form a three-branch system (executive, legislative and judicial), the Navajos conduct what is considered to be the most sophisticated form of Indian government. While the Council is in session, you'll likely hear delegates carry on the tradition by speaking in Navajo, providing a perfect example of how the Navajo Nation retains its valuable cultural heritage while forging ahead with modern progress. When the Council is not in session, legislative work is done by 12 "standing committees" of the Council. Inside the circular Council Chambers, the walls are adorned with colorful murals that depict the history of the Navajo people and the Navajo way of life. For more information about tours, call 928-871-6417 or write to P.O. Box 1400, Window Rock, AZ 86515.

Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise

The Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise was established in 1941. With over 50 years of experience, the Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise offers the finest quality of products! Each item that you purchase from the Enterprise is guaranteed to be authentic and handcrafted. The Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise has four different locations in Navajoland. There is a location in Window Rock, Kayenta, Chinle, and Cameron. Take home a piece of Navajo tradition and history with you! (Note: Distance is to location in Window Rock, Arizona)

Navajo Museum Library & Visitor Center

The modern Navajo Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich and unique culture of the Navajo Nation. Native displays, a book and gift shop, snack bar, auditorium, outdoor amphitheater, information kiosk, library and on-site authentic Navajo hogan complete the center.

Navajo Nation Zoological and Botanical Park

The Navajo Nation Zoological and Botanical Park is located in Window Rock, AZ, the capital of the Navajo Nation. It is the only tribally owned zoological park in the US. The zoo operates on an area spanning 7 acres and is located in the vicinity of the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock. It is home to about 150 animals, representing over 50 species and sees an estimated 33,000 visitors each year.

Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site

The oldest continuously operated trading post in the United States, Hubbell Trading Post is an important thread in the fabric of Navajo history. Established in 1876, this mercantile and others founded by John Lorenzo Hubbell came to be the lifeline of supplies for Navajos looking to re-establish themselves following the "Long Walk" of 1864. It was also a place for Navajos to meet and socialize in the days before the advent of the automobile. Today, the trading post still sells groceries and dry goods, but it is also a National Historic Site, and features a bookstore, exhibits, rug-weaving demonstrations and picnic tables. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour of the grounds and a Ranger-guided tour of the original Hubbell home. Summer hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (5 p.m. closure in winter). For more info, call 928-755-3475, write to P.O. Box 150, Ganado, AZ 86505, or go to the Web site at "www.nps.gov/hutr".